When we pointed out that the Cadets were essentially
national-liberals in their outlook and that their approach to the national
question was anything but democratic, we got an angry and haughty
retort from Rech, which accused us of not knowing the facts or
misrepresenting them.

Here is a record—one of many. Let the readers and voters judge for
themselves.

On October 18 a “circle of persons interested in the Slav question”
held a second meeting at Mr. M.M. Kovalevsky’s. An appeal to society was
read, signed by Y. Anichkov. Kareyev, L. Panteleyev (Cadet ex-candidate),
G. Falbork, Mr. Kovalevsky (of course) and others.

“amidst general enthusiasm, the hearts of the
Russians... are beating in sympathy for the Slavs and with the hope
that Russian national consciousness will help to ensure that they
retain the fruits of their victories”.

In what way does this differ from the nationalism and chauvinism of
Novoye Vremya and Co.? Only in that it has white gloves on and
that the turns of speech used in it are more diplomatically cautious. But
chauvinism is abominable even when wearing white gloves and using the most
refined turns of speech.

Democrats will never speak of “general enthusiasm” when beside (and
above!) them are Russian nationalists ruthlessly oppressing a number of
peoples.

Democrats will never stand for the Slav as such being contrasted with
the Turk, whereas one should contrast the
Slav and Turkish peasants, together, with the Slav and Turkish
landlords and bashi-bazouks.

Democrats will never allow “Russian national consciousness” to be
substituted for the political consciousness of the partisans of
freedom and enemies of oppression in all nationalities—at a time
when Poles, Jews, and “non-Russians” in general are oppressed and
persecuted.

No fair-minded democrat, no sincere supporter of, the oppressed
nationalities, should vote for the Cadets!